C-Forum

“Besides, nobody cares about kayaking. It’s a dumb sport.” (p. 29) From Jaime McEwan in “Whitewater Scrubs” (2005). If you are tired of reading fairy tales to your kids you should pick up this book; you get a combined paddling story and children’s story. I just read it to my 6 year old and we loved ...

I parted with my Whitesell Piranha (the one that contributed a spare thwart to Michael a couple of years ago) of that vintage and I miss it. At least it has a good home with someone who uses it more than me. Now I get by with: - Millbrook Prowler (if I had to live with just one boat this would be it...

Rod: I have been there a couple of times and it is not a sure thing. If there is water it will run, and it can be run on low water. However, it is a small river and we are having a dry year. My understanding is that the organizer is traveling right now. He tends to post updates on the site about a w...

It is great to see this kind of control in a slalom / long boat!

Thanks for the link.

Connecting with canoers through the C-Forum is a valuable resource. I think ads are a great way to support this wonderful service. Go for it.

It should be a good boat. Versatile, will not scare them if YOU are stable in it. I use a Millbrook Prowler for the same type of paddling and it is really nice- very responsive and stable. MEs can do some pretty hot stuff. I have seen video of one going down the Taureau (of the Jacques Cartier, alth...

If Jim Michaud is not breaking or wearing down the paddle it must be TOUGH!

Jim- when you and your boat find your way to NY remember to look me up. E-mail is jsmith@utica.edu.

I use the carbon-carbon paddle and love it. Bought it from Kaz and it was a great deal.

Open Boaters gots rules???

John: Thanks for the history, it is informative. Just to place another twist on Nate's question, according to the rules "The width of the gates is 47 inches (1.2m) minimum, and 11'6" (3.5m) maximum, measured between the poles" (from http://users.bestweb.net/~keech/oc-rule5.pdf). Any thoughts / comme...

Nate: I am a newer OC racer, with about 4 years of racing some of the NESS races. Each year I appreciate the penalty system a little more. The large (10 seconds) penalty is intimidating when figuring out how to find a way through some of the lines on the course. However, it has had a huge impact on ...

I have got to find a way to hook up with Longboatin someday. . . conveyor belt and float-up bar, this guy knows how to enjoy a good paddle! If you build it, they will come. Reminds me of my wife not wanting to go on trips because she thought she would not fit in with the "good 'ol boys." When she fi...

Mark Myracle (Symmetria paddles, no longer in business) taught me to use Minwax polyurethane. He discouraged the use of epoxy as it will develop cracks and allow water in.

Since I have been beating on some of his paddles for more than a decade I have been happy with his advice.

I hope to see lots of you at the park: http://users.bestweb.net/~keech/oc-2006i.htm

Oh yeah- you also asked about enders and the Slasher is GREAT for old-school enders.

MarcB: I think: 1. The Slasher works fine with sufficient skill. Once upon a time it was seeing lots more creeks (when the only other option was a Gyramax), but there are many easier options now. At 185 pounds I find it handles well on 3+/4- runs and that is my comfort level. Back in the day I saw g...